Kevin Durant Is Still Elite So Why Does No One Thrive With Him?

Kevin Durant Is Still Elite So Why Does No One Thrive With Him?

Author: Locked On Podcast Network September 18, 2026 Duration: 27:20

Are the Houston Rockets wasting Kevin Durant’s prime? Matt Moore and Haize debate Durant’s current NBA standing, questioning whether he remains an elite centerpiece or if chemistry issues with Alperen Sengun and uncertainty around his leadership limit the team’s championship upside. The duo dives into Durant’s incredible shooting stats, the challenge of elevating teammates, and what it will take for the Rockets’ young core—including Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.—to truly contend.

Keyonte George’s massive $157.5 million extension with the Utah Jazz sparks conversation about the team’s salary structure and rising stars like Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Darryn Peterson. The episode wraps with a candid look at the soaring cost of attending NBA games, dissecting ticket and concession pricing, how third-party operations impact fans, and what the league must do to keep the next generation of families in the stands.

 

Episode Timestamps

  • 00:00 Kevin Durant’s NBA Fit
    Discussion on Kevin Durant’s current status in the league, his strengths, limitations as a leader, and his fit with the Houston Rockets, including team chemistry and possible futures.
  • 12:44 Keontae George Extension Analysis
    Deep dive into Keontae George’s new contract with the Utah Jazz, implications for roster building, financial strategy under the CBA, and Jazz young core outlook.
  • 17:13 NBA Game Pricing Debate
    Conversation about the rising cost of attending NBA games for families, how concessions, parking, and third-party vendors influence pricing, and potential solutions to make games more affordable.

 

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at 
https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at
https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod
 

FanDuel
Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


Locked On NBA-Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association is the definitive daily audio destination for fans who want to stay connected to the league's relentless pace. Hosted by a rotating team of local experts including Matt Moore, Haize, and Doug Branson, this podcast delivers concise, informed conversation that cuts through the noise. Each episode packs the latest news, trade rumors, strategic analysis, and insider perspectives into a focused thirty-minute format, ensuring you get a comprehensive league-wide update without the fluff. Beyond the daily digest, the companion Game Night show commits to an "Every Game, Every Night" philosophy, with dedicated analysts breaking down the action from every single contest throughout the week. The result is a layered listening experience that offers both the big-picture narrative and the granular details of nightly performances. Tune in for the informed, passionate dialogue that feels like a conversation with the most knowledgeable fans in the room. This isn't just another sports podcast; it's a daily ritual for anyone whose basketball fandom demands constant, reliable, and engaging coverage from tip-off to the final buzzer.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association
Podcast Episodes
DRAFT: Who Are the Best NBA Players 25 and Under [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:15
The NBA's youth movement reaches historic heights as Victor Wembanyama dominates the top of a loaded under-25 draft board. Can Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, or Cade Cunningham push their teams closer to a championship,…
The Risks Of Kawhi Leonard | Most Exciting NBA Game? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:54
Toronto Raptors weigh a massive extension for Kawhi Leonard—can they build a contender around his aging star power and hefty contract? Matt Moore and Haize break down not only Kawhi's potential new deal, but also what it…
Paul George's Fit With Jayson Tatum & V.J. Edgecombe as X-Factor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
Wes, Matt and Haize debate whether Paul George could be a cleaner fit next to Jayson Tatum than Jaylen Brown, examine VJ Edgecombe’s importance to the 76ers and establish the rules for approaching celebrities in public.
How Many NBA Teams Can ACTUALLY Win the Championship? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:46
Wes, Matt and Haize determine how many true NBA championship contenders there are and which could surprisingly miss the playoffs, react to Steve Ballmer accepting the Clippers’ punishment, and draft their ultimate starti…